The murder of a popular and talented young teacher in Tullamore, as she jogged along the canal in broad daylight, has been met with shock and horror in the town and beyond.
Teacher Ashling Murphy was 23 years old and a highly-regarded traditional musician from a musical family, having performed with Comhaltas and at the Tullamore Trad Fest. She often performed with her sister or other family members.
She was beaten to death as she jogged on a popular canal towpath at 4pm yesterday afternoon, in what was apparently a random attack.
Ms Murphy was teaching in primary school Scoil Naomh Colmcille before her murder. The INTO said: ” We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ashling Murphy, her colleagues and pupils at Scoil Naomh Colmcille and all who knew her.”
The young teacher trained at Limerick’s Mary Immaculate College in August, 2017. A member of Ballyboy Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the talented fiddle player also tutored students of traditional music.
The Limerick leader reports that in one of her posts on Facebook, Ashling has said she was happiest when playing music with her sister Amy, also an accomplished musician.
Ms Murphy was a member of Macalla na hÉireann, Comhaltas Concert Tour of Ireland 2017 where she played throughout the country to acclaim.
https://comhaltas.ie/music/detail/comhaltaslive_535_6ashling_murphy
Local Independent TD, Carol Nolan, said that the attack on Ms Murphy was a “horror beyond comprehension”
“Grief has descended on Tullamore and the local community following confirmation of Ashling’s tragic death.
For Ashling’s family this is a horror beyond comprehension. Our hearts are breaking for them, and with them. I want to extend my own and my families personal prayers and support to all of Ashling’s family and friends during this time of bitter grief and heartrendering sorrow.
It is absolutely vital that all young women and indeed, all of our people, feel safe and secure in the living and the enjoyment of their lives.
No one among us should have to live in fear of these kind of vicious and senseless attacks.
A beautiful life has been taken from us. Ashling’s family, friends and work colleagues are bereft.
But, I know that the community will stand with them and envelope them in their love and support during this terrible time.”
Éamonn ÓhArgáin, Uachtarán an Chomhaltais, said:
“On behalf of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann I wish to extend my condolences to the Murphy family on the tragic death of Ashling in Tullamore yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with her parents, her family, her colleagues in Durrow Primary School and with the Ballyboy Comhaltas branch. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam ceolmhar.”